Navigation
takete

SPLENDID SLIPPERS

One has certainly noticed how the price of slippers has rocketed recently. Until this week, however, Uncle Tweed was mystified as to why. As he is a kind soul, Uncle Tweed will share his new-found knowledge with you, but lets uphold the suspense a little while longer as we delve briefly into the history of the slipper. (Soon, be assured, the story will continue!)

“Wilder Penfield, twentieth century, neuro-surgeon identified the parts of the brain responsible for organsmic activity, lay in close juxtaposition to the section responsible for feet […] > No surprise therefore many people enjoy the sensual aspects of the feet in both pain and pleasure. “

“In the early 18th century satin pumps with high spoon heels and very pointed toes became fashionable […]

Later the shoe became less decorative and was made of plain kid or satin. Rounder toes and lower heels were all the fashion between 1740-1790. Men’s slippers were made of soft black leather or striped fabric. Ladies slippers were little more than leather shells laced over the instep and up the legs to the calves. Slippers gaiters were worn to protect shoes/stocking outside.”

Uncle Tweed would like to calm the reader who just skimmed through the paragraphs above to reach the desired part of the text; the part resolving the price related slipper query. In ordinary circumstances it would be hard to pinpoint a single reason for something like a price hike in indoor footwear. During his investigations, however, Uncle Tweed found the one person responsible for this trend, namely Beverley Jackson, Author of the Book “Splendid Slippers - A Thousand Years of an Erotic Tradition

In Beverly’s Forum, “Krane” says:

“I believe your book is directly responsible for the cost of golden lotus shoes (the splendid slippers -ed.) to be rapidly increasing and for the recent proliferation of fakes. I just came back from one month of travel in Mainland China and am now in Taiwan. Five years ago I did a similar trip. Five years ago, it was very difficult to find golden lotus shoes and the ones I did buy were only about $12 US a pair. Now the same kind cost, even in China, at least $30 US.”

Beverly replies:

“Yes, I have to admit I’m afraid “Splendid Slippers” has done alot to create this monster and I’m sorry — both for all you collectors, and me too ‘cause I’m still one!”

That Beverly admits her responsibility redeems her to some extent in Uncle Tweed’s eyes. And, if you’re buying, Uncle Tweed has got a fair collection of splendid slippers for sale at extortionate prices.